Flat Water Tuesday by Ron Irwin is a sweet little novel that did not get the attention it deserved. Floated right under the radar. But for me it had all the ingredients of a sure fire winner: middle-aged guy returns to the boarding he school where he rowed to confront some difficult memories. Yes to boarding school tale, yes to rowing and yes to difficult memories.
I’m going to fully admit that I read this novel about a month ago and am just writing the review now so things are a little foggy. But what I do remember is how much I enjoyed reading Flat Water Tuesday. I was a coxswain for a couple of years in high school so I have a pretty big soft spot for rowing. It is a beautiful sport and Irwin does such an amazing job of describing it. His descriptions of practices and races were not only breath-taking, but they were accurate as well.
But Flat Water Tuesday is about more than rowing. It is about being that guy that doesn’t fit in, that doesn’t even want to fit in. It is also about the tragedies that happen in our youth and mark us for life. Now if that doesn’t have you hooked there is something wrong with you.
Who would like this book? Just like me, there are a whole lot of you out there that are suckers for boarding school novels. Well, line up for this one. More specifically, it reminded me of The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont (review), also a water-logged boarding school saga. Flat Water Tuesday will also appeal to those who liked The Boys in the Boat, a non-fiction account of the beauty of rowing.
52 books or bust 
Ooooooo, you had me at boarding school and difficult memories. Adding this to my list.Thanks, Tanya!
Boarding schools! Rowing! You’ve won me. Don’t know why I love books set in boarding schools – throwback from my childhood love of Blyton’s Naughtiest Girl series perhaps?! And as for rowing, well years spent on the water in stroke seat is why 🙂
You will love this then. He writes about rowing so beautifully.
I agree, with both boarding school and rowing, it’s got me hooked. I’ve never rowed for a team or anything, but I’ve done canoing and kayaking and I think there’s that common “breathing together on the water” thing that is nothing short of miraculous. -Tania
And yes, I’m trying to get back on the book blog thing – it only took me a year 🙂
Glad you’re back at it.
Ditto the boarding school allure. Nice book cover too!
What is it about boarding schools? Closed elite society with minimal adult supervision?
I have had this book on my e-reader forever! Really should get to it! It ticks off many boxes doesn’t it?
For me it was a delightful read.